The New York Yankees find themselves in a bind after losing star slugger Juan Soto to their city rivals, the Mets. Soto’s record-breaking contract—potentially worth $820 million over 15 years—has left the Yankees searching for a replacement to fill the void in their lineup.
Early reports suggest the Yankees may target Los Angeles Dodgers free agent Teoscar Hernandez. However, a new, bold rumor has surfaced, pointing to none other than Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout.
A Wild Prediction, Not a Report
Speculation about Trout joining the Yankees comes from Wrightway Sports Network’s Matt Shovelson, who described it as a “PREDICTION, not a REPORT.” Shovelson notes that with Soto off the table, the Yankees still need another marquee name to pair with Aaron Judge. Trout could be the answer.
Trout’s Legendary Career
Trout, a New Jersey native drafted by the Angels in 2009, has carved out a Hall of Fame-worthy career. In his 14 seasons, the three-time MVP has posted jaw-dropping stats, including a .310 batting average, 235 home runs, and a 1.000 OPS in his first seven years—numbers that surpass Soto’s comparable performance.
Despite his individual brilliance, the Angels have only reached the postseason once during Trout’s tenure, and they show no signs of reversing that trend. With six years remaining on his $426.5 million contract, the Angels’ inability to contend may fuel trade rumors, though Trout has expressed little interest in leaving Southern California.
The Challenges of a Trout-Yankees Deal
Trout’s substantial contract—$37 million per year—and recent injury history present challenges for a potential Yankees trade. Trout appeared in just 29 games in 2024 due to a knee injury but has shown willingness to adapt his role to prolong his career.
For a trade to work, the Angels might need to absorb a significant portion of Trout’s salary. Despite this, the Yankees, prepared to offer Soto nearly $50 million per year, could consider the move if it means securing another elite talent.
Whether the Yankees pursue Trout or another star, their response to the Soto setback will likely shape their future ambitions.
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